Definitely one of the most strikingly beautiful snakes Australia has to offer. But don’t be mislead; they are a highly venomous snake and are best admired from a distance! Be sure to come and check out our gorgeous red-bellied black snake, on display in Robert’s Reptile House.

These snakes are usually found in woodlands, forests, swamps – anywhere near a body of water. This is where it hunts frogs, their main food source. Red-bellied black snakes will also feed upon fish, reptiles and small mammals from time to time. They are live-bearing and can have litters of up to 20 young.

Although considered quite common in the south-eastern half of Australia, it is believed that red-bellied black snake numbers are declining in line with declining frog populations. The introduction of the cane toad has also caused a bit of strife for these snakes, as they mistakenly eat these toxic amphibians.